And so it begins. The holidays with all their excitement have been beautifully packaged and wrapped and are ready to be enjoyed at most of our area theaters.

There is so much wonderful theater that tickets to shows are not only perfect gifts, but great family treats. The following is a sampling of shows with holiday themes.

Bushnell Theatre, Hartford: "How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical" brings to life the fun-filled story by Dr. Seuss. playing Nov. 20 25. Box office: 860-987-6000.

Hartford Stage, Hartford: Charles Dickens' beloved story of the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future takes to the stage in Michael Wilson's adaptation of "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas." Don't take the subtitle too lightly. It is scary enough that it is recommended for children 9 years old and older. It plays Nov. 23 Dec. 29 and is an uplifting holiday experience. Box office: 860-527-5151.

Music Theatre of Connecticut, Westport: "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" pulls out all of the stops in this holiday special being presented on Dec. 15 for a matinee and evening performance. Box office: 203-454-3883.

Palace Theater, Waterbury: There are plenty of holiday specials coming to the Palace. You'll definitely want to check out "Christmas at the Palace," which includes the Waterbury Chorale accompanied by the Waterbury Chorale Festival Orchestra on Dec. 1; "Christmas with the Legendary Paul Anka," Dec. 8; and The Woodbury Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Dec. 15. Box office: 203-755-4700.

Phoenix Stage Company, Naugatuck: "Every Christmas Ever Told" takes to this black box theater weekends from Nov. 23 Dec. 9. Don't expect anything traditional about this play. The premise is that three actors, tired of the usual hum-drum holiday productions that have been done to death, do their own versions of their holiday favorites. Be forewarned this is strictly adult fare with "mild adult content and language." Box office: 203-632-8546.

Seven Angels Theatre, Waterbury: "The Miracle on 34th Street" will take place on 1 Plank Road in Waterbury at the Seven Angels Theatre this year. The musical adaptation of the classic holiday movie plays Nov. 29 Dec. 23. You're in for quite a treat. Macy's department store is featured in the musical. Getting into the spirit of things, Macy's at the Brass Mill Mall has decorated the lobby of the Seven Angels Theatre. Box office: 203-757-4676.

TheaterWorks Hartford, Hartford: It wouldn't be the holiday season if some theater didn't do the irreverent David Sedaris "The SantaLand Diaries" during the holidays. It plays Dec. 4 23. Box office: 860-527-7838.

Warner Theatre, Torrington: You'll want to check out the many special events that will be taking place at the Warner on the main stage and black box stage. These include: "Buddy Valastro 'Cake Boss' HomeMade for the Holidays Tour" on Nov. 25; Vienna Boy's Choir, Holiday Concert, Dec. 7; Warner & Nutmeg Ballet's "The Nutcracker" on Dec. 15 and 16; Empire Brass' "The Sound of Christmas" featuring Elisabeth von Trapp, Dec. 20; and "A Holiday Concert with Melissa Manchester" on Dec. 21. Box office: 860-489-7180.

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